Hostelworld Press Room

Hostelworld.com supports local student enterprise project

February 26, 2010

30 fifth and sixth class students from St Brigid's Primary School, The Coombe, Dublin 8 descended upon Hostelworld.com on Thursday 25th February to take part in a 'dragon's den' style workshops. As part of the Enterprise Challenge project students will present their prepared business plans to 'dragons' for approval. Enterprise Challenge, an intensive, exciting and innovative year-long project builds firm links for the students to local businesses and Kevin Street DIT.

Dublin South Inner City RAPID is partnering with Junior Achievement Ireland, the largest provider nationally of enterprise education within primary and secondary schools, reaching over 60,000 students each year. The organisation annually brings over 3,000 business volunteers into the classroom to teach structured programmes highlighting the importance of education in building life opportunities.

The visit to Hostelworld.com is part of four phases student complete during the Enterprise Challenge project. Students also take part in a six week classroom based enterprise programme; visit DIT Kevin Street for extended learning workshops and a tour of the campus and finally enjoy a day discovering teamwork, communication skills and building confidence at Carlingford Adventure Centre learning.

"Hostelworld.com has been involved with Junior Achievement for many years and as a successful Irish company we recognise the importance of this relationship. It's a fantastic organisation whereby we can give back to the community but at the same time encourage children to stay in education for as long as possible. Not only do we get the chance to help others but we also get so much enjoyment ourselves out of days like today, seeing the difference it can make to a child's perspective on education. We may even get a great employee in the future!" commented Feargal Mooney, CEO of Hostelworld.com

Launching Enterprise Challenge, Martin McDonagh, RAPID Co-ordinator, Dublin South Inner City, said, "We are delighted to be working with local business and with Junior Achievement Ireland on this project. We know the school students will benefit from engaging with their local College and with local enterprises - it's all about raising aspirations and developing ambition in the students." The programme is being financed by the Dormant Accounts (Educational Disadvantage) Fund.

About Hostelworld.comThe global market leader for 10 years, Hostelworld.com is the leading provider of confirmed online reservations to the budget, independent and youth travel market, offering online bookings for over 23,000 hostels and budget accommodation properties in 186 countries worldwide. The site is available in 23 languages and also offers budget travelers over 2.7 million user reviews as well as a travel store, free travel videos, podcasts, customized downloadable city guides, a travel social network and more. Hostelworld.com is headquartered in Dublin.

For further information please contact Aisling White at aisling@hostelworld.com